The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation invites the community to attend an environmental arts workshop, Art Class and Community Conversation/ Clase de Arte y Conversacíon Comunitaria, on Saturday, March 23 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bring the family to participate in an inspiring arts workshop focused on flood mitigation and environmental projects. The arts workshop takes place at El Rinconcito Musical located at 340 Main Street in Hackensack, New Jersey 07601, and is open to the public. In addition, admission is free, with donations greatly appreciated.
Environmental Arts Workshop
Families will have fun painting together environmentally themed art. The workshop is open to children five years of age and older. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. Furthermore, all materials required for the workshop will be provided. Light refreshments of snacks and soft drinks will be served. In addition, participants must register in advance for the event here or send an e-mail to nnjcf@nnjcf.org. For further information about the workshop, contact Leonardo Vazquez, AICP/PP, Executive Director of the NNJCF, at leo@nnjcf.org or call 201-568-5608 extension 2.
Artist Monica Chavarria teaches an environmental arts themed workshop for adults.
Artist Monica Chavarria
Art teacher and artist Monica Chavarria will lead the workshop. Chavarris serves as President of the Hackensack Art Club and Curator and Art Director of Club Colombia USA of Hackensack. She also has over 24 years’ experience as an art teacher presenting curriculum showcasing the preservation of nature and human values. Chavarria received Bachelor’s degrees in Visual Arts and Artistic Education. She also holds a Master’s degree in Management and Cultural Promotion from Antioquia University-Colombia.
Known as “The Tree Lady” for her painting of surrealistic trees that take on human forms, she grew up in Colombia surrounded by trees and flowers. Furthermore, Chavarria has participated in several art exhibitions and cultural events and painted murals for the cities of Hackensack and Paterson. She is also a member of several organizations, including the Fort Lee Artist Guild, the Art Educators of New Jersey, and “Colombian Leaders Working for a Better Colombia”. In addition, she participates on the team leading the NNJCF’s Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice initiative.
Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice
This workshop is part of the NNJCF’s Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice project. The project seeks to reduce flooding and improve environmental conditions for residents in central Hackensack and other parts of the city affected by flooding. For more information, visit the project’s page online.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation produces the project in partnership with the City of Hackensack and Greater Bergen Community Action. In addition, residents of Hackensack and representatives from several organizations in Hackensack participate. The Funders Network, AARP, Valley Bank Foundation and M&T Bank Foundation provide partial support for the project. In addition, donors include PSEG Foundation, The Rotary Club of Hackensack, and other supporters.
Donations Appreciated
The NNJCF seeks donations to support the Green Infrastructure for Environmental Justice Project. Donations of any size are welcome. Notably, all donations received help to create a community rain garden or other environmental projects benefiting the community. Donations may be made online. Contributions may also be sent by check made out to ‘The Northern N.J. Community Foundation’ and enter ‘Hackensack Green’ in the memo line. Send checks to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, 1 University Plaza, Suite 128, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601.
